A recent study by researchers from the University of Tokyo in Japan has shed light on the potential benefits of treatment by female doctors. The study analyzed data from two databases, one containing general medical claims and the other focusing on the expertise and work practices of doctors. It included 458,101 female patients and 318,819 male patients aged 65 and over who were hospitalized between 2016 and 2019.
The results were clear: patients treated by female doctors had a lower rate of re-hospitalization and a lower mortality rate in certain diseases than those treated by male doctors. However, the researchers found that there were several reasons behind this.
One possible explanation is that male doctors might underestimate the severity of diseases in female patients, leading to delayed or incomplete treatment. Communication between female doctors and female patients could be more effective, leading to better diagnoses and treatment. Additionally, patients may feel less embarrassed during examinations by female doctors, leading to more comprehensive care.
Previous studies have also shown that treatment by female doctors is associated with higher quality care, especially for women. This research highlights the importance of effective communication and understanding between doctors and patients to improve healthcare outcomes.
Overall, this study underscores the potential benefits of seeking treatment from female physicians, particularly for women. It emphasizes that effective communication between healthcare providers and their patients is essential for providing high-quality care that leads to improved health outcomes.